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Best Parks For A Puppy Play Date In Chicago

April 22, 2016 7:00 AM

(Photo Credit: mondog.org)

Beautiful summer weather is short lived in Chicago, making it all the more enjoyable — and all the more reason to get out and enjoy it while you and your canine friend can! Take your pooch out and meet their friends in some old favorite parks and some new ones too. Before you go, make sure your pooch has a DFA tag — just $5 — and bring some doggie bags to clean up after your furry friend.

Montrose Dog Beach is easily one of the most popular spots for a puppy playdate, and after one visit it’s not hard to see why. Located at the northwest corner of Montrose Beach, this dog beach allows dogs to run leash free, and is a wonderful place for dogs to play in the sand and splash in the water. Since it’s a Chicago Park District run spot, it follows park district hours, which are from sun up to about 9 p.m. No matter what time of day you go, your pooch will love to frolic and play in this scenic city spot.

One of the newest dog parks in Chicago, Skinner Park offers over 7 acres of land. Located in the West Loop, there is plenty of space for the dogs to run around together, including a variety of textures with cement, rocks and AstroTurf. When the dogs want to take a break, there’s areas for water and lots of seating options to relax in the shade.

For your high energy pups, take them to this South side agility course to work out together. Another one of the newer dog parks in the city, Jackson Bark was created by Todd Agosto, who assembled the park on an old tennis court using remnants of construction sites. For example, the treads are made with sliced-up bike tires! While helping your dog run the obstacle course is encouraged, there’s also plenty of space for dog owners to sit, and water available for the pooches as they get their ya-yas out together.

Head north to River Park in Albany Park/Lincoln Square for what feels like an escape from the city. After walking through the park, and chasing down squirrels and birds along the river, meet up for a pup playdate at the fenced in dog play area. While this paved area is on the smaller side, it’s a great safe zone for your dogs to play. The park also includes a pup water fountain that can be turned on and off.

For a delightful and surprising green space near downtown, take the dogs out to the park at Lakeshore East. The entire park is just over 4 acres and includes a few features. While the whole park — other than the tot area — is dog friendly, there’s a space tucked away that’s dedicated to our canine friends. While there is some concrete, there is also a part that uses K9 grass, which is artificial grass that’s specifically designed for dogs.

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she’s working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.